The Polish Fisheries Round Table. Report January 2013 June 2014

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1 REPORT JUNE 2014 The Polish Fisheries Round Table Report January 2013 June 2014

2 REPORT JUNE 2014 The Polish Fisheries Round Table Report January 2013 June 2014 June 2014 WWF Poland

3 Report January 2013 June 2014 The content of reports from the meetings of the Polish Fisheries Round Table has been adopted by the Steering Committee and the members of the Polish Fisheries Roundtable. Cover: KLEX Round Table photos: WWF Poland DTP: Agencja Wydawnicza EkoPress / Published by: WWF Poland 38, Wiśniowa str Warsaw phone: fax: WWF Poland WWF Poland would like to express its gratitude to the National Marine Fisheries Research Institute in Gdynia and the Maritime Academy in Szczecin for accepting the idea and the goals of the Round Table and for providing the meeting premises. The publication is available at: WWF Poland is solely responsible for the content of this publication.

4 Contents 4 Introduction Does the Polish fisheries sector need subsidies and if so in which areas? The future of the Round Table in the context of the reformed Common Fisheries Policy of the European Union 4 April 2013, Gdynia Poaching can measures aimed at preventing illegal fishing in the sea be applied in rivers and inland waters? 10 December 2013, Szczecin The European Marine and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) Draft Operational Programme Fisheries and the Sea (OP FS) March 2014, Gdynia

5 4 Report January 2013 June 2014 Introduction The Round Table was established as a kind of experiment. Its objective was to create a forum to permit an exchange information and unrestricted discussion on fisheries management between different stakeholders, often representing significantly different views. The main objectives of the Round Table have been adopted by the members. The Statutes describe the terms of reference of the Round Table as well as the competences of the Steering Committee and the decision-making procedures. However, as it often happens with experiments, in the course of subsequent meetings of the Rounds Table its formula has changed. It was decided that Round Table will not take positions on issues under the discussion. Its role is to provide a forum for informal exchange of views and information, and work our best possible solutions pertaining to fisheries management. These changes will soon be reflected in the modified Statutes of the Round Table. On the 7 th of September 2014 the Polish Fisheries Round Table (hereinafter called the Round J. Włodarczyk / WWF Table) will celebrate its 5 th anniversary. During these 5 years 15 meetings were organised to discuss the issues related to the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy of the European Union. These 5 years of experience, as well as recently finalised reform process of the EU fisheries policy call for some conclusions and reflections.

6 5 Report January 2013 June 2014 Five years of the activity of the Round Table were summarised by two surveys conducted among its statutory members as well as meeting participants. Detailed results of these surveys are presented in the report of the meeting of the Round Table held in March It is worth underlining that 57% of respondents considered that the suspension of the meetings of the Round Table would affect significantly the level of discussions on fisheries management. Most of the members of the Round Table and meeting participants expressed the wish to continue the meetings in the current form (without taking official positions). The survey results are a clear indication to continue the activity of this forum. As already mentioned, the 5th anniversary of the Round Table coincides with the end of the reform process of the Common Fisheries Policy of the European Union. We are now facing a long and challenging process of policy implementation. Taking into account that regional approach to fisheries management has become one of its key elements, the activity of the Round Table will become even more important. In the nearest future, we will deal with the elaboration and implementation of the discard ban plan, multiannual multispecies plan for commercially exploited species, establishment of the strategy for aquaculture an small scale fisheries, preparation of the National Operational Programme Fisheries and the Sea, and last but not least, implementation of measures aimed at restructuring the sector to make fisheries a profitable activity and at the same time secure stable state of commercially exploited fish species. We hope that the Round Table will remain a forum for discussion for all stakeholders and recommendations and conclusions worked out in its framework will contribute to the right decisions taken by the administration responsible for fisheries management. The Steering Committee J. Włodarczyk / WWF

7 6 Report January 2013 June 2014 Does the Polish fisheries sector need subsidies and if so in which areas? The future of the Round Table in the context of the reformed Common Fisheries Policy of the European Union Ewa Milewska opened the meeting on behalf of the Temporary Steering Committee. She welcomed all participants to the first meeting of the Round Table in 2013, devoted to the new European Marine and Fisheries Fund for the years as well as the future of the Round Table in the context of the crucial phase of the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy of the European Union. Does the Polish fisheries sector need subsidies and if so in which areas? 4 April 2013 National Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Gdynia The discussion on the needs of the Polish fisheries sector in the context of the new European Marine and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) was proceeded by two presentations on the state of play of the EMFF: 1. The presentation of Jarosław Wałęsa, Member of the European Parliament, describing the state of play of the EMFF. 2. The presentation of Marta Szulfer from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development containing new trends in the subsidies under the EMFF in Poland. In the course of the discussion the participants tried to demonstrate possible areas in the fisheries sector which in would qualify for financial support under EMFF. Attention was drawn in particular to: The need to use the EU subsidies for measures which enhance development. It was underlined that the funds from the Polish Operational Programme FISH had in many cases failed to achieve this goal and have only helped to retain the status quo. Moderator: dr Zbigniew Karnicki Prepared by: Piotr Prędki Accepted by: The Steering Committee as well as meeting participants The need to carry our an analysis of the use of the funds under the present Fund (Operational Programme FISH) before elaborating the provisions of the new operational programme for It was pointed out that at present every zloty gained in fisheries operations needs to be supported by a zloty from the State budget. Such situation should not occur and the fisheries sector should be restructured in order to guarantee that fishermen who stay at the job earn decently their living. When preparing new measures special attention should be given to small scale fishery as

8 7 Report January 2013 June 2014 it provides work to local communities. Implementation of different criteria for scrapping of vessels above and below 15 meters in length. The need to elaborate a vision and strategic objectives for the Polish fisheries to be implemented in the framework of the new Fund. Some participants noted that the previous operational programme lacked these basic elements and in consequence the subsidies had not been fully used. In this context, it was also stated that a real impact of vessels fishing for industrial purposes on the Baltic fish resources should be assessed. According to some participants the present state of the resources results from a negative impact of industrial fishery exploiting most fish resources available in the Baltic. The need to elaborate a detailed plan for adjusting the size of the fleet to the resources. According to some participants scrapping carried out in the framework of the Operational Programme FISH did not give expected results. In consequence, the Polish fleet has decreased to a size which is not sufficient to utilize the allocated fishing quota. In the future, the measures aimed at permanent decommissioning of vessels should be based on a fair assessment of the fishing capacity of different segments of the fishing fleet taking into account the quota available to a given segment. The need for regulating the availability of subsidies to fisheries. According to some participants, subsidies allocated to fishermen for compulsory temporary cessation of fishing activities do not contribute to the improvement of the state of fisheries and should be withdrawn in favour of measures which contribute to fleet restructuring in such a way as to increase the economic viability of fisheries. The need to accurately define the Integrated Maritime Policy which will be financed from the new EMFF. According to some participants this new element of the fisheries fund is extremely important because it will guarantee the right equilibrium between different uses of the marine space. The need to develop a new system of financing measures related to diversification of employment among local fisheries communities since currently most of the funding is used for investments that do not serve this purpose, such a s for example the construction of local roads. The need to accurately define the term modernization of fishing vessels. Currently the measures related to the improvement of the quality of raw material and work safety are clarified as measures aimed at increasing the fishing capacity of a vessel and are not eligible for funding. In the context of modernization, attention was also drawn to the problems related to ensuring a vessel owner s contribution, required by law. Some participants noted that in view of the current fishing quota, it is not possible for vessel owners to provide own

9 8 Report January 2013 June 2014 contributions. Some participants did not agree with such assumption. They stated that provision of own contributions is possible both with regard to modernization as well as other investments (e.g. investments in ports) and could be confirmed by several examples. Own contribution should be regarded as an investment which will increase the profitability of a business. In this context, the producers organizations should play a leading role. The new EMFF should include funds for the development of the processing sector which is a crucial element in the chain of custody of fish products. However, some participants noted that the new fund should not be used to finance the construction of new processing plants since the potential of the existing plants is not fully used. The new EMFF should include funding for investments in ports in order to implement modern landing systems (water pumps) and storage (a cold chain ). The need to replace subsidies that cause an increase of the fishing capacity of a fleet by subsidies used to finance scientific research and fisheries control in areas which require improvement. One participant supported this statement by presenting the results of a public poll which show that 76% of respondents are of the opinion that allocation of subsidies should depend on the assessment of the fishing capacity of the Polish fleet in relation to available fish resources, 68% of respondents think that the EMFF should be used only for measures directly related to rebuilding overfished resources and 80% exclude the allocation of funds to entities that do not comply with the CFP provisions. The decisions on financing should include the capability of a given entity to sustain for a long time the investments established with the use of the EU funding. According to some participants at present investments established with the EU funding are often duplicated and therefore in the future will probably not be profitable (e.g. ice factories). The need to finance measures aimed at protecting the Baltic ecosystem, including measures aimed at reducing marine litter. Attention was turned to the ghost fishing project carried out by WWF in cooperation with fishermen. Such projects could in the future be financed from the EMFF. In summing up the discussion on the financial needs of the Polish fisheries sector in the context of the new European Marine and Fisheries Fund the moderator stated this was the first opportunity to exchange opinions and discuss between all stakeholders. He also indicated that the new fund looks much more complicated and will include more elements, including the measures related to the integrated maritime policy. He informed all participants that work on the new fund is ongoing and its final version should be published probably in mid Marta Szulfer, the representative of the Fisheries Department underlined that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has

10 9 Report January 2013 June 2014 been pushing to receive the highest possible support for the Polish fisheries sector, including the processing industry. She also stated that the detailed scope of financial support and the conditions for its allocation will be elaborated in the Polish Operational Programme. The Programme will be created in co-operation with all interested stakeholders, in the framework of a Working Group. With regard to vessel scrapping, the moderator underlined that scrapping carried out with the use of public funds will results in a permanent loss of the fishing capacity of the fleet. It should be discussed whether such measures should be carried out with the support or without the support of the European Union. Presentation: Baltic Sea Regional Advisory Council Sally Clink, Executive Secretary Sally Clink begun by expressing her appreciation for the Round Table initiative. In her opinion, such forum permits open discussions and exchange of experience and knowledge on fisheries. Thanks to this initiative we all have access to the latest information relating to fisheries. According to Sally Clink, the Round Table also allowed for overcoming the barriers between different stakeholders involved in the decision-making process and reaching a better understanding on a number of divergent positions. Sally Clink expressed hope that in the future the Round Table and the BS RAC will work together more closely. In presenting the Baltic Sea regional Advisory Council (BS RAC) Sally Clink informed that the Council was established in Setting up the regional advisory councils was one of the pillars of the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy, carried out in 2002, which underlined the need to increase the engagement of all interested stakeholders in the decision-making process. As a result, the 2002 reform of the CFP included a provision on the establishment of regional advisory councils. On this basis several regulatory acts establishing the RACs were decided upon. The structure of regional advisory councils, including the BS RAC was defined by the European Commission: the number of General Assembly members is not limited, however the Executive Committee shall consist up to 24 members. Each of the Baltic EU Member States shall have one representative of the catching sector in the ExCom. In addition, during informal negotiations, it was agreed that Denmark, Finland, Germany and Poland shall have 2 representatives of the catching sector in the ExCom. Two thirds of the seats in the Executive Committee shall be allotted to the representatives of the fisheries sector and one third to representatives of other interests groups. The members of the Executive Committee are appointed by the General Assembly. The BS RAC has three working groups: pelagic, demersal and salmon working groups.

11 10 Report January 2013 June 2014 Polish Ecological Club, represented by Piotr Gruszka; WWF, represented by Ewa Milewska. Polish Executive Committee members: Association of Fishermen s of the Sea PO, represented by Piotr Nowakowski; National Chamber of Fish Producers, represented by Krzysztof Stanuch; WWF, represented by Ewa Milewska (acting also as Vice-Chair of the ExCom). Sally Clink underlined that according to the provisions listed above not all organisations which are members of the General Assembly may have a representative in the Executive Committee. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to work out a solution ensuring the representation of all Polish fishermen in the BS RAC. According to her, the Round Table could be one of such solutions. Sally Clink compared the initial work of the BS RAC to those carried out in the framework of the Round Table. It was necessary to develop a methodology enabling joint work of different interest groups. From the very beginning, the BS RAC Secretariat realised that it was impossible to reach consensus on all matters. However, it was agreed that every time efforts will be made to achieve a consensus, and in the case of a failure the positions of different stakeholders will be presented in official documents. The BS RAC is financed mainly by the European Commission. However, the funding from the Commission is granted upon a 10% own contribution which comes from the contributions paid by the Member States and the contributions of the BS RAC members which amount to 250 EURO per year. The total annual BS RAC budget is approximately EURO. Polish organisations, members of the General Assembly: Association of Fishermen s of the Sea PO, represented by Piotr Nowakowski; National Chamber of Fish Producers, represented by Krzysztof Stanuch; Kołobrzeg Group of Fish Producers, represented by Marcin Radkowski; Polish Association of Fish Processors, represented by Ryszard Groenwald; The main task of the regional advisory bodies, including the BS RAC is to advise the European Commission. Since 2006, the BS RAC prepares recommendations on the Total Allowable Catches, multi-annual management plans, selectivity of fishing gears, discards, technical measures, control and enforcement, the role of advisory councils in the future, the CFP reform and other fisheries-related issues. The BS RAC advice goes to the European Commission, the Members States, the European Parliament, HELCOM, ICES, Russia and other interested parties. The European Commission is obliged to address the advice but is not obliged to base its decisions on the advice received from the BS RAC. BS RAC organises conferences and seminars on the key issues. The aim of these meetings is to gather all interested stakeholders and unrestricted exchange of information and experience as well as an effort to work out common solutions. Such approach seems to be the added value of the BS RAC. Next, Sally Clink concentrated on the future role of the advisory councils under the reformed Common Fisheries Policy of the European Union. Regional advisory councils will remain to act as advisory bodies to the European Commission. However, Sally Clink expressed hope that advisory councils will have a greater impact on Commission s decisions. The name will change to advisory councils (without regional). Sally Clink expressed the hope that the scope of advice and activity of the BS RAC will not change. With reference to the CFP reform Sally Clink stated that trilogue negotiations with relation to the Basic

12 11 Report January 2013 June 2014 Regulation are on-going. The positions of the European Parliament, the Council and the European Commission differ. It is certain that the RACs, including the BS RAC will remain, perhaps in a modified form. New advisory councils, namely for aquaculture, the Black Sea and market will probably be established. Decisions with regard to financing of advisory councils in the future have not yet been taken. Sally Clink expressed hope that under the reformed CFP the Member States will be given the possibility to decide on technical measures that permit to fulfil the objectives of the CFP. In such a case, the role of advisory councils may change. Among problems that need discussions and a position of the BS RAC Sally Clink mentioned the discard ban. Specific measures related to the ban will be defined by the Council and the European Parliament. The role of the BS RAC is to discuss and elaborate recommendations with regard to technical measures required for the implementation of the discard ban in the Baltic. The work has started a month ago and will be continued in the Working Group scheduled for May. In summing up her presentation Sally Clink expressed hope for closer co-operation between the BS RAC and the Round Table. This cooperation may contribute to a better exchange of information between the members of the BS RAC and the Polish fisheries sector. Sally Clink invited all participants to visit the website of the BS RAC ( and read the newsletter send out regularly by the Secretariat. In the course of the discussion the role of the BS RAC was taken up. In response, Sally Clink repeated that the role of advisory councils consists of providing advice to the European Commission by contributing with the fisheries-related input and opinions. The Commission may but is not obliged to take into account the opinions sent by the BS RAC. She added that the BS RAC advice is reflected in many other documents, such as for example, the ICES advice. Zbigniew Karnicki stated that the present status of regional advisory councils is a step towards regionalisation of the decision-making process. The next step consisted of establishing the BALTFISH forum where representatives of administration of Baltic Member States meet. Therefore the position worked out by the BATFISH has a greater impact. It seems that at present the BALTFISH does not include all stakeholders. This situation could change by including the representatives of the BS RAC in the forum. In the course of the discussion representation of vessels below 20 meters in the BS RAC was also raised. Sally Clink stated that this fleet segment is represented. Ryszard Malik underlined that any organisations can become a member of the General Assembly, after payment of the membership fee of 250 EUR. In relation to the state of Baltic cod, a question was raised whether the BS RAC members have been informed that the individual weight of the cod as well as the population density have decreased in the Baltic. Sally Clink responded that the BS RAC has been

13 12 Report January 2013 June 2014 addressing the problems in the management of cod stocks for many years, also in the framework of one of the working groups of the BS RAC, the Demersal Working Group. She underlined that representatives of the fisheries sector constitute two-thirds of the BS RAC and they are well aware of the state of the cod stocks in the Baltic and the reasons behind it. In concluding the discussion on the Baltic Sea Regional Advisory Council the moderator stated that the meetings are open, so is the process of preparing recommendations. Anyone may take part in a meeting of the general Assembly and the Executive Committee in an observer capacity. Meetings of Working Groups are also open to observers. D. Bógdał / WWF The future of the Round Table in the context of the reformed Common Fisheries Policy of the European Union The main purpose of the discussion on the future of the Round Table was to sum up the activities of the forum carried out so far with relation to the Statute in force as well as to determine the future model of the Round Table, particularly with regard to its ability to take decisions. During the discussion it was agreed that at present the functioning of the Round Table differs significantly from the rules laid down by the Statute. It often happens that the participants represent the organisation in which they work, it also happened that a discussion carried out in the framework of the Round Table was wrongly interpreted by the administration as the official position of this forum. The members of the Steering Committee stated that the Statute of the Round Table was created as a kind of exercise carried out in the beginning of its functioning. Its main purpose was to create a framework for unrestricted discussions among all stakeholders and set up mediation techniques that could be used should the need arise. It turned out, however, that informal discussion and agreement was possible without applying rigid statutory framework. However, it is difficult to reach consensus and therefore the meeting reports reflect the positions of all participants. The Steering Committee agreed that during the four years of its existence the Round Table has evolved and the present Statute does not reflect its character. Most of the participants involved in the discussion stated that the current form of proceedings is appropriate because it allows the participants to express their own opinions and not the official position of the organisation. According to most of the participants this principle is the added-value of the Round Table. The purpose of meetings is to exchange information and experience which are then presented in the form of a report to all stakeholders. This is the right direction. According to participants the issues that require decisions should be left to the administration and be discussed during the meetings with representatives of the Department.

14 13 Report January 2013 June 2014 In order to rightly identify the expectations of participants two options with regard to the future of the Round Table were subject to a vote: 1. Modifications of the procedures of the Round Table to permit decision-making in the form of an official position. 2. Maintaining the current formula and modification of the Statute. As a result of the vote, the Round Table adopted a recommendation to maintain the current formula and to modify the Statute in order to reflect the current rules. The members of the Round Table who signed the Statute will be informed of the recommendation and will be asked to express their opinion. Members will be involved in any work related to the modification of the Statute. A different position on this matter was expressed only by Krzysztof Stanuch. His position was sent in written form quoted below: Comments to the Round Table report I do not agree with the statement that the Statute was created as a kind of exercise carried out in the beginning of its functioning. The Round Table is an attempt to solve problems and reach agreement and the Statute defines the principles of its functioning. According to the agreement reached by members of the Round Table, the Steering Committee should be the first to follow the rules agreed upon by all the members. I do not agree with the statement that the discussions held so far and the reached agreements were possible without the rigid framework of the Statute. The next sentence in the report clearly mentions the difficulties in reaching consensus, proved by sometimes very animated and intensive discussions during which members of the Round Table had divergent positions (e.g. the discussion on ITQ). In such cases, a collectively adopted method of building some kind of common position could be most advisable. I do not agree with the part of the report referring to the voting on the future trends in the proceedings of the Round Table. Notwithstanding the fact that the voting was not conducted by the founding members of the Round Table, the proposal to modify the procedures of the Round Table to permit decision-making in the form of an official position is a kind of a manipulation and is misleading. The Round Table does not need any modifications in its procedure to take decisions because the procedure to reach common position is laid down by the Statute. It should just be followed. Rejection and lack of compliance with the principles adopted by the members of the Round Table from the very beginning of its existence has deprived the Round Table of its unique character and has turned the Round Table into standard meetings held to exchange information which do not even aim to reach joint positions. Greetings Krzysztof Stanuch

15 14 Report January 2013 June 2014 Poaching can measures aimed at preventing illegal fishing in the sea be applied in rivers and inland waters? 10 December 2013 Maritime Academy in Szczecin Meeting conclusions Here are the main conclusions reached in the course of discussion. Detailed discussion is presented in Chapter 2 of the report. 1. Legislation regulating inland fisheries and angling does not effectively protect diadromous fish. In order to change the current situation, it is necessary to implement effective legal provisions, to increase penalties, improve the enforcement and penalty system, increase the efficiency of the National Fisheries Guards and restore social participation in nature conservation efforts. 2. It is necessary to carry out educational activities among local communities, enhancing a culture of compliance with legal provisions. Public awareness of the negative effects of poaching for local communities and the environment may contribute more to the protection of resources than most severe penalties. 3. There is a need to implement measures aimed at raising awareness on the economic value of migratory fish and ecosystem in which they live, in particular with relation to the financial profits they may generate for local communities if they are exploited in a sustainable manner. Increased awareness in this field may contribute to a decrease in poaching. Moderator: Ewa Milewska Prepared by: Piotr Prędki Accepted by: The Steering Committee as well as meeting participants The Steering Committee of the Polish Fisheries Round Table would like to express its gratitude to Professor Stanisław Gucma, the Chancellor of the Maritime Academy in Szczecin for providing the Senate Hall for the meeting of the Round Table. 4. Educational activities should be carried out by fisheries local action groups (FLAGs), also in the new programming period with the support of the EU funds and should be adapted to social and economic conditions in particular area. 5. Further actions aimed at raising awareness of society on negative environmental effects of small hydropower plants and inappropriate land reclamation are needed. 6. There is a need to improve the enforcement system of provisions contained in the occupancy permits of small hydropower plants in a way that will ensure implementation of these provisions (including the compliance of fish pass designs with their final structure as well as in terms of the necessity to ensure that projects developed by experts comply with environmental requirements). Information gathered by the National Fisheries Guards and Volunteer Fisheries Guards.

16 15 Report January 2013 June There is a need to adapt the protection zones in estuaries to environmental and social conditions of a given area. At present these zones do not fulfil their role. 8. Monitoring of rivers related to fisheries and environmental protection should be determined for the entire river basin and not only for particular fragments / sections of rivers based on administrative division. 9. Unification of the minimum conservation size of trout and eel is required in the Polish law. At present conservation sizes differ between different rivers and inland waters and territorial units. The minimum conservation size for trout should be subject of discussion in the relevant ICES Working Group. 10. Further work on the provisions for placing fish on the market is needed, including in particular the need to improve traceability systems for fish throughout the entire supply chain. 11. There is a need to implement the Multi-annual Plan for Baltic Salmon. The Plan should include management of salmon fishery in the sea and in inland waters as well as recreational angling. 12. The Inland Fisheries Act and the Water Law need require revisions in order to reach good ecological status of water in compliance with the requirements of the Water Framework Directive. 13. The Polish Operational Programme Fisheries and the Sea should guarantee funding for the monitoring and control systems for diadromous fish. Meeting report In opening the meeting in the name of the Steering Committee Ewa Milewska underlined that the topic of the meeting was chosen in response to the suggestions put forward by fishermen and anglers from the West Pomeranian voivodeship. She also noted that management of migratory fish populations, also with respect to poaching, requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account fisheries-related activities in the sea, in river estuaries and in inland waters. There were 4 presentations prior to the discussion: 1. Control measures in marketing of salmon from Baltic fisheries Lidia Kacalska-Bieńkowska, Market and Fish Processing Unit, Fisheries Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. 2. Protection of migratory routes during the spawning of diadromous fish Artur Furdyna, WWF Poland/ Association of Friends of the Ina and Gowienica Rivers. 3. Problems related to the monitoring and control in inland waters Adam Tański, Rafał Pender, Ryszard

17 16 Report January 2013 June 2014 Żochowski, Department of Hydrobiology, Ichthyology and Biotechnology of Reproduction, West Pomeranian Technological University in Szczecin, Polish Anglers Association Unit in Szczecin, Volunteer Fishing Guards. 4. Presentation of measures undertaken by the Regional Sea Fisheries Inspectorate in Szczecin Paweł Sokołowski, Regional Sea Fisheries Inspectorate in Szczecin. An additional presentation was delivered by Professor Izabella Dunin-Kwinta. She underlined that the ecosystem is a living organism and all measures related to the protection of its elements should be carried out in accordance with the principle first, do not harm. Professor Kwinta indicated that species protection carried out in the present form is in some cases harmful to the environment. According to Professor Kwinta Baltic salmon should be considered as economically most valuable species in the Baltic, however, measures undertaken, including unilateral protection measures with relation to the grey seal and the cormorant, cause that the salmon encounters several obstacles in its life cycle. In the Vistula river mouth seals and cormorants constitute a threat to salmon, whereas in the sea the species is threatened by seals and fishing activities. Professor Kwinta noted that Baltic salmon is at present not covered by legal protection. This situation may change because of the growing pressure from protected species, seals and cormorants on Baltic salmon. As a result of this pressure, a significant decrease in the number of salmon caught in the Vistula river mouth for restocking purposes (eggs) has been observed. This fact undermines the existence of salmon population in this part of the Baltic Sea, which at present is mainly based on restocking (the Włocławek dam effectively prevents the natural spawning of salmon in the upper Vistula river basin). The present form of grey seal and cormorant protection has a disastrous effect on the restocking material causes the restocking material, financed from the State budget to restore the Baltic salmon population, and causes that this material becomes the prey of wild animals. In concluding her speech, Professor Dunin-Kwinta stated that the management of populations of protected species, including the grey seal, should be carried out in a manner which takes into account the impact of increase abundance of these species on other elements of the ecosystem. According to professor Dunin-Kwinta the estuaries of potential salmon rivers should be protected to enable safe migration of salmon and other diadromous fish. In the course of the discussion participants raise the following issues: 1. In relation to the interactions between protected species and the population of Baltic salmon The participants turned the attention to the need to define the upper limits of the abundance of protected species, characterized by a large degree of invasiveness. According to some participants excessive, uncontrolled population growth of certain protected species could have a negative impact on the abundance of other species. In this context, it was said that the population of cormorants has grown to an abundance that has a negative effect on fish farming. The pressure of cormorants on fish species in estuaries is significant. Some participants suggested that a management plan for cormorant should be prepared and the management system should be improved, allowing shooting cormorants in fish ponds in the case of occurrence of significant damages. The need to develop measures to reduce the impact of protected species such as the grey seal or the cormorant on Baltic salmon populations, particularly in estuaries, where there has been continuous decline in the number of spawners entering the rivers was also underlined. Some participants did not agree with the opinion put forward by Professor Dunin-Kwinta. They pointed to historical occurrence of grey seals in the Baltic and to the fact that the number of individuals of a given species derives from the capacity of the environment and man should not artificially interfere in the population abundance of a species in question. The participants proposed other alternatives to artificial management of population abundance, such as measures aimed at

18 17 Report January 2013 June 2014 minimizing losses incurred by fishermen, i.e. modified, selective fishing gears. It was also noted that in other countries, i.e. Germany, the user or producer receive a tax exemption calculated on the basis of the abundance of protected species in the area where fish farming is conducted. It was proposed to implement a similar system in Poland. 2. In relation to the connectivity of ecological corridors It was noted that small hydropower plants produce only approximately 0.14% of electricity in Poland. This is related to geological conditions. Taking into account the negative impact of small hydropower plants on the connectivity of ecological corridors and the state of the populations of diadromous fish, it should be examined whether the environmental losses caused by these plants are not considerably higher that the profits resulting from produced electricity. With regard to small hydropower plants, stricter enforcement of regulations by their users was underlined. In Poland there is historical structures which could be potentially developed into small hydropower plants, the question is, however, whether such measures should be undertaken and what kind of requirements should be imposed on their owners? At present, fish passes in many plants are poorly designed or ineffective and thus hamper fish migration. In order to restore natural spawning of diadromous fish, natural riverbanks should be restored, with a special emphasis on restoring natural water surface shading. Without taking account of these measures in the renaturalization of rivers, some species will never return to their habitats. The need to include the Odra River in the trout stocking programme was mentioned. Already now, in the Odra River and its basin migration and spawning of trout have been observed. With regard to the migration corridor in the Vistula river and the Dunajec River, it was stated that some of the fish released in the Dunajec River were able to get through the barrage and reach the sea. Returns to the spawning grounds were also observed, however most of the fish stopped their migration at the Włocławek Dam. The obligation with regard to the maintenance of river connectivity stipulated by the Water Framework Directive was also mentioned. Most probably, Poland will not be able to meet these requirements and this will entail high penalties imposed by the European Union. In relation to maintaining river connectivity, attention was drawn to a document prepared by the National Water Management Authority, entitled Assessment of the needs and priorities with regard to the restoration of morphological connectivity of rivers in the context of reaching Good Environmental Status and potential of water bodies in Poland, which establishes, among other, rivers and their sections relevant to maintain connectivity for spawning and migration of diadromous fish. 3. In relation to the management of salmon stocks and measures aimed at reducing poaching It was also pointed out that penalties are too low and difficult to enforce. The information presented by the representative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development confirmed that the any person who avoids to market fish through the Local Centre of First Sale, according to recently implemented provisions, is obliged to pay a terrible and deterring penalty of 75 PLN per kilogram of fish, or 150 PLN kilogram in the case of repeated offense. With regard to the penalties imposed on the basis of the provisions on inland fishery it was noted that the average recovery penalty period is too long and amounts approximately 10 months. Some participants asked to increase the penalties for poaching up to 3000 PLN for one individual salmon or sea trout. Others pointed to the need to include ecological damages and not only the market value of the fish in setting the penalties. According to some participants, severe penalties would solve the problem. With regard to the imposition of penalties on anglers the representative of the Ministry of Agriculture and

19 18 Report January 2013 June 2014 Rural Development stated that the Ministry had proposed to change the level of sentence for more severe, but such proposal was rejected by the Ministry of Justice. With regard to financial resources derived from the execution of penalties, it was proposed to establish a Fish Protection Fund which would use these funds for measures aimed at reducing the negative effects of poaching. With respect to the level of penalties it was noted that according to the revised Inland Fisheries Act of 1 November 2013 the penalties are fixed at a low level. It was also noted that the current system based on fixed fine proceedings should be replaced by an administrative penalty system similar to the one existing for marine fisheries. An alternative solution was proposed. Juridical cases resulting in compensations should be transferred from the Polish Anglers Association to the National Fisheries Guard. Therefore, the State would become an obligee in such cases. In this way, the Polish Anglers Association would not carry the costs of debt executions, which often exceed the penalties. The need to consolidate the powers of various authorities concerning the measures aimed at reducing poaching was also noted with a view to increasing their efficiency. The participants mentioned the need to determine the economic value of ecosystem services. Angling tourism generates a very high income for local communities. Poaching significantly limits this income. It is necessary to inform local communities on the economic added value resulting from the presence of diadromous fish in their region. The change in social perception can contribute to the establishment of social movements effectively limiting poaching with a view to protect the resources that bring real economic profits. High efficiency of actions conducted by volunteer fishing guards to overcome poaching was also noted. The example of the Parsęta River was given, where thanks to the measures undertaken by volunteers gathered in such groups poaching was significantly limited. At the same time, it was noted that volunteer fishing guards cannot be active in all the rivers due to limited human resources. As a result, poachers find out through the Internet where the guards are active and move to other areas, in particular river and tributary estuaries. The possibility to use high efficiency monitoring methods such as night-vision devices and photo-traps was put forward. It was stated that these devices are expensive and most associations cannot afford to buy them. Some participants expressed the need to determine minimum and maximum conservation sizes for migratory fish species in order to protect large individuals. In the course of the discussion, it was noted that an increase in the number of eggs and an improvement of their quality take place up to a determined age and then both the indicators tend to fall down. Therefore there is no need to protect large fish which had already spawned.

20 19 Report January 2013 June 2014 T. Zbiec / WWF Following the information given by the Fisheries Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development referring to the requirement to land all fish from catches bigger than 300 kg, and in the case of salmon, more than 5 individuals in the Local Centre of First Sale, it was proposed to implement a requirement to report the catches notwithstanding their volume or vessel type. In response, the representative of the Fisheries Department noted that all boats above 10 meters in length are obliged to report in logbooks. In addition, in order to prevent illegal catches, the Fisheries Monitoring Centre carries out cross-checks to verify the reporting (comparing the landing reports and the volume of landed and marketed fish). In relation to logbooks, the participants stated that only vessels above 15 meters in length are obliged to have electronic logbooks. These vessels do not catch sea trout and salmon. The representative of the Regional Sea Fisheries Inspectorate in Szczecin indicated that since 2013 all vessels above 12 meters in length are obliged to use an electronic logbook. The need to include angling catches in the assessment of the fishing mortality of salmon was also indicated. Taking into account the catch limits for anglers (2 fish per day) as well as the number of valid licenses, it could happen that the anglers utilise the entire Polish salmon quota. Limited number of licenses for angling could help to solve this problem. It was noted that angling catches taken in the sea will soon be included in the catch quota. In order to effectively manage the salmon stocks, also the angling catches taken in rivers need to be counted against the salmon TAC. The problem of poaching in the river estuaries was also discussed. It was stated that at present the protected areas in estuaries are inadequate to the real needs and there is a problem related to the enforcement of legal provisions. The participants noted that poaching is not only developing in these areas but mainly close to their boundaries. It was proposed to establish protected areas in the estuaries on the basis of scientific research and not only administrative decisions. The difficulties in identifying salmon and sea trout were also brought forward. Trainings are needed in order to teach inspectors, anglers and fishermen to differentiate between the two species. This is a crucial issue due to the differences in the management of sea trout and salmon. The catches of salmon are limited by the TAC and close monitoring of catches is needed to ensure proper management. The need for closer cooperation between fishermen and inspectors was also mentioned in order to ensure high efficiency of control and to make them less burdensome.

21 20 Report January 2013 June 2014 The participants also mentioned inadequately fixed conservation sizes for sea trout. The minimum conservation size for sea trout west of Łeba amounts to 40 cm, and east of Łeba 50 cm. In rivers, the minimum conservation size is 35 cm for the juveniles and in territorial waters (the Szczecin Bay, the ports and rivers close to estuaries under the jurisdiction of Sea Fisheries Inspectorates) 50 cm. Scientific data indicate that only spawners of cm enter the rivers for spawning. It was therefore stated that the minimum conservation size should be changed and unified at 50 cm in order to guarantee effective protection of fish returning to rivers for spawning. It was also proposed to discuss this issue in the relevant ICES Working Group. A similar situation like the one described in the paragraph above refers to eel. In the jurisdiction of the Sea Fisheries Inspectorate in Słupsk there is no protection period for eel in territorial waters (that is all ports and river sections close to estuaries). According to the Regulation of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of 27 April 2010, amending the regulation on minimum conservation sizes and closed seasons for water organisms and the specific conditions for conducting fisheries (Journal of Laws No. 71 Item 460) the eel is protected between 15 June and 15 July in the territorial sea and in the Polish Exclusive Economic Zone ( 1, point 2). However, the territorial waters in Poland are divided into internal waters and territorial waters and the document only refers to the territorial sea. Therefore the ban does not cover the internal waters (among others the ports). Different minimum conservation sizes for eel in the waters under the jurisdiction of the Sea Fisheries Inspectorate in Słupsk were also mentioned. In the internal waters, in the ports of Darłowo, Dźwirzyno, Kołobrzeg, Łeba, Rowy and Ustka, the minimum conservation size for eel amounts to 40 cm, that is 10 cm less than the minimum conservation size set by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for inland waters and the territorial sea. Speaking on behalf of WWF Poland, Mariusz Zega presented a project to establish a voluntary fish guard River Patrol as well as to carry out an educational campaign aimed at raising awareness of local communities on the importance of preserving rivers with natural populations of valuable fish. The aim of the project will be to decrease poaching in one of the selected rivers in Pomerania with salmonid population and to raise public awareness. Local communities will take the responsibility to preserve natural populations of salmonid fish and to eliminate poaching. Such practices could also be implemented in other rivers. The WWF representative asked anyone interested in participating in this project to contact the Foundation. Some participants stated that the main problem related to the enforcement of legal provisions lies in the ineffective work of the National Fisheries Guards. According to some participants this is due to a very restricted budget of this institution as well as inappropriate organisation of its work. Due to administrative division of competences, the Guards spend 70% of

22 21 Report January 2013 June 2014 their working time on commuting to monitored sites. The participants proposed to carry out a reform of the National Fisheries Guards, including the establishment of regional stations, which will contribute to the more effective use of the working time of the guards. It was also underlined that the guards operating in a given region should not be members of the local community, because this would make their work much less efficient. With regard to the control system, the representative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development stated that the Fisheries Department is currently revising the control and monitoring system. The National Fisheries Guards and Regional Fisheries Inspectorates are undergoing an audit which will be the basis of decisions on the functioning of these institutions. It was also noted that Poland is obliged to fulfil the requirements of the Water Framework Directive. The participants agreed that taking into account the present status of its implementation, it is practically impossible to reach good environmental status of the Polish waters by The representative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development stated that the monitoring of waters is currently based mainly on chemical indicators, which is inconsistent with the provisions of the Water Framework Directive. Biological indicators should be the leading ones. D. Bógdał / WWF In the context of recreational fishery, the participants turned the attention to low prices of fishing licenses. According to them, measures need to be undertaken to develop the angling tourism that creates added value in other sectors, including tourism. However, economic and environmental value of harvested fish should be taken into account when setting the price of licenses. It was noted that these measures should be complex and include decisions regarding the use of the increased income from licenses. It was also indicated that the sale of licenses takes place by the institution responsible for the management in the given area and this institutions decides on the price.

23 22 Report January 2013 June 2014 The European Marine and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) Draft Operational Programme Fisheries and the Sea (OP FS) March 2014 National Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Gdynia Meeting conclusions Here are the main conclusions reached in the course of discussion. Detailed discussions can be found in Chapter 2 of the report. 1. Polish Operational Programme Fisheries and the Sea : Meeting participants raised the need to develop a strategic vision for the development of the fisheries sector by relevant government authorities, in co-operation with stakeholders. It was stated that a strategic vision is needed to determine the objectives and measures to achieve them, including those financed from the new Operational Programme. With regard to the need to develop a vision for the future of the fisheries sector, the need to establish a multi-annual system of quota allocation was raised. Such system will enable different entities active in the sector to take key decisions concerning future activities. An important objective of the new Operational Programme should be to reduce the impact of fisheries on the environment. Attention was turned to the possibility of financing the training of young fishermen activities, as a positive step for the promotion and preservation of the profession of a fisherman, as well as increasing the qualifications of sector employees. With regard to the conflict between fisheries and conservation of birds and marine mammals, attention was turned to the new provisions of the new European Marine and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) which allow for the payment of compensations for losses in the catches caused by marine mammals. The need for further discussion on the scope of conservation measures carried out in relation to protected species, as well as the impact of those species on fisheries were put forward. Moderator: dr Zbigniew Karnicki Prepared by: Piotr Prędki Accepted by: The Steering Committee as well as meeting participants 2. Discard ban: With regard to the provisions of the new CFP on the implementation of a discard ban participants stated that it is crucial to adjust the selectivity and not necessarily to increase it. In many cases, the selectivity of the fishing gears is high, but does not guarantee adequate protection of resources. Some participants did not agree with this opinion

24 23 Report January 2013 June 2014 and noted that the main objective of the discard ban is to create incentives for the fisheries sector to improve the selectivity of the fishing gears and to solve the problem of discards directly at sea, by avoiding catching undersized fish. The participants stressed that the provisions concerning the landing obligation should allow for the registration of discards on the basis of more than one cruise. Some participants stated that such an approach can hinder monitoring and noted the need to elaborate an effective monitoring system of discards. 3. The future of the Polish Fisheries Round Table: On the basis of a survey carried out among the members of the Round Table, it was concluded that 57% of respondents is of the opinion that the suspension of the activities of the Round Table will have a significant negative effect on the level of discussions on fisheries management. A majority of members of the Round Table and meeting participants expressed the need to continue the meetings of the Round Table in the current formula (without taking official positions). A majority of members of the Round Table agreed to change the Statutes of the Round Table in a way that will suit the formula of current meetings. The Steering Committee will prepare a draft proposal to amend the Statutes and send them for consultation to the members. Meeting report On behalf of the Steering Committee, Ewa Milewska opened the 15 th meeting of the Round Table devoted to the discussion on the new financial perspective for She underlined that the new European Marine and Fisheries Fund will be a tool for the implementation of the new Common Fisheries Policy. Zbigniew Karnicki (the moderator) stressed that the discussion should focus on the new development trends or in fact the transformation of the Polish fisheries. The main question we need to answer is: How should the Polish fisheries sector look like after the completion of the Operational Programme in 2020?. Z. Karnicki also noted that, notwithstanding the political agreement reached at the EU level, the final version of the European Marine and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), is still unknown, along the principle that until everything is agreed, nothing is agreed. In his presentation, Jaroslaw Wałęsa, member of the European Parliament described the status quo of the EMFF in the European Parliament, focusing on the information referring to the allocation of funds to particular measures as well as description of the key measures included in the final version of the EMFF. He informed the participants that formal adoption of the final version of the EMFF will take place in the plenary meeting of the EP in April. In concluding his presentation, Jarosław Wałęsa thanked all participants for co-operation in the current parliamentary term and informed them that he will stand for re-election. Full text (in Polish) of the presentation is enclosed in Annex 1 to the Polish version of the report.

25 24 Report January 2013 June 2014 In summing up the presentation of the MEP Jaroslaw Wałęsa, the moderator underlined the role of the Committee on Fisheries (PECHE) of the European Parliament in the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy of the European Union (CFP). Many firm statements in the proposal of the European Commission had been modified and adapted to real circumstances by the PECHE Committee of the European Parliament. The representative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Marcin Bożyk presented the outcome of the consultations of the draft Polish Operational Programme Fisheries and the Sea. Marcin Bożyk drew the attention to the fact that during the consultation process 450 comments had been received, of which 270 referred to different priorities of the Operational Programme. He underlined that following the political agreement reached on the EMFF, the draft Operational Programme needs to be modified. The work on the new version are underway and the new version will again be the subject of consultations with stakeholders and members of the Working Group established to discuss the Operational Programme in the Ministry. The new version of the OP will be presented probably in May. In summing up the presentation of the representative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development the moderator underlined well planned work on the new programme, allowing to believe that there will be no big delays in its implementation. Zbigniew Karnicki noted that funds available in the new Operational Programme Fisheries and the Sea will be smaller than the funds allocated to Poland in the Operational Programme This is a consequence of changes in the allocation of funds, based on indicators such as the importance of the fisheries sector in the economy of a Member State or the employment rate in the sector. Such allocation of funds is unfavourable for Poland and will result in a decreased funding. In the first part of the discussion, the participants of the Round Table asked the MEP and the Ministry representative several questions. Below are the questions and the answers: 1. What is the status of work on the salmon management plan? The MEP Jarosław Wałęsa informed the participants that the salmon management plan is not on the agenda of the European Parliament. A draft proposal for the management plan had been discussed and the process was completed. Ewa Milewska informed the participants that according to the information received from a representative of the European Commission the salmon plan is currently in the hands of co-legislators and will be adopted at the earliest in A. Kassolik / WWF

26 25 Report January 2013 June In the context of the need to include the ecosystem based approach in fisheries management a question was posed why the new Operational Programme is focused mainly on fish? In response, the representative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development noted the complementarities of the new EU funds. The measures planned in the framework of the Operational Programme Fisheries and the Sea will focus on reducing the negative impact on fisheries on the environment. These measures will be complemented by measures aimed at environmental protection, carried out in the framework of regional and target funds with total budgets significantly exceeding the funds available under the Operational Programme Fisheries and the Sea. Some participants stated that the new Operational Programme should focus on the protection of the resources because these resources are the key element determining the future of the fisheries sector. An example of the current state of the cod stock was given, with the prices falling by 30% to 5.5 PLN per kg due to the decrease in individual weight. 3. There was a request to clarify the planned activities related to selectivity of the fishing gears. Some participants expressed concern regarding the planned adjustment of selectivity instead of improvement of selectivity. In response, the representative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development stated that a broader approach to selectivity has been included in the new Operational Programme and it covers adjustment of selectivity since its improvement, that is its increase by increasing the mesh size is not justified in all cases. This position was supported by some participants who indicated that the term adjustment is logical under the provisions of the new CFP related to the implementation of the discard ban. It seems that effective implementation of these provisions in fisheries with low survival rate of fish escaping through the meshes requires a change in the mesh opening. 4. With regard to the funding of engine replacement a participant asked a question on how the length of vessels is determined. Is the vessel length measured between perpendiculars or is it the overall length of a vessel? In response it was stated that in the present Operational Programme as well as in the EC legislation the length of a vessel is expressed as the overall length. The participants agreed that length measured between perpendiculars would help to exclude the possibility of changing the vessel length by adding addition elements on the deck. The length measured between perpendiculars is constant and does not allow changes in vessel length. The representative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development stated that it is a technical problem which requires further discussion and consultation with the European Commission. 5. With reference to the Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs), a participant asked about the % share of eligible costs related to the activities undertaken in the framework of FLAGs, strategic criteria as well as on how to calculate the Fisheries Employment Ratio. In response the representative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development stated that at this stage the method to calculate the Fisheries Employment Ratio has not been determined. In relation to the strategic criteria he stated that common criteria will be

27 26 Report January 2013 June 2014 established for all strategies. Referring to eligible costs, he indicated that 90% of costs related to the activity of FLAGs shall be eligible under the Operational Programme Fisheries and the Sea. The discussion concentrated on four key elements of the new Operational Programme: 1. Engine replacement and permanent decommissioning of fishing vessels (scrapping): Several key issues were raised with regard to engine replacement and scrapping of vessels. First of all, according to some participants reduction of the power of new engines required under the financial support from the Operational Programme should be determined taking into account the ratio between the power and the GT and not only on the basis of engine power. Such approach enables a reliable calculation of the fishing capacity of a vessel. With regard to vessel scrapping, attention was turned to the need to draw conclusions from the previous programming period and to set the rules for vessel scrapping in the framework of the new Operational Programme. The participants turned the attention to the fact that many mistakes were made in the previous programming period with regard to vessel scrapping. These mistakes resulted in decommissioning of vessels from fleet segments which had no overcapacity. In addition it was noted that establishment of a new strategy related to vessel scrapping requires setting multi-annual quota allocation rules to permit vessel owners to take decision on the continuation or cessation of the fishing activities on the basis of reliable economic indicators. In the course of the discussion participants referred to the need of fleet restructuring which would result in fleet reduction to 250 vessels. The argument behind this statement was the information that the value of current Polish catches in the Baltic amounts to approximately 250 million zlotys. In order to make the catches profitable for a vessel owner, the value of catches for each vessel should be at the level of 1 million zlotys per year and in consequence the number of active vessels should be reduced to approximately 250. This measure would permit to eliminate compensations paid to fishermen for temporary cessation of fishing activities. The representative of the of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development noted that the permanent decommissioning of vessels will be subject of further discussions during the Working Group on the new Polish Operational Programme and the financial support, according to the EMFF provisions will be directed to particular fleet segments, for which overcapacity has been identified. T. Zbiec / WWF

28 27 Report January 2013 June Fish processing: With regard to the processing sector it was stated that in the programming perspective the processing sector has used the entire allocation available to the processors in the framework of the Operational Programme FISH. This allowed the creation and modernisation of processing plants which are characterised by the highest standards in Europe and possibly in the world. Therefore, according to one participant, in the next programming perspective there is no need to invest in new processing plants and loan support seems to be sufficient support for those already operating. It was stated that Polish fish processing plants generate an annual income of 8 billion zlotys. The potential of these plants is even higher and the production can be higher, reaching even 12 billion zlotys of annual income. Referring to the situation of the processing sector, attention was brought to the prices of fish which seems to now be one of the major problems facing the sector, preventing any increase in the fish consumption in Poland. In this context, it was stated that as long as the fish will be two times more expensive than chicken, so long the households will base on this protein source. With regard to the prices, the participants pointed out that the price offered to fishermen by processors is too low and does not allow them to carry out an economically viable business. In this context, one solution, accessible in the framework of the new EMFF was highlighted. It consist of selling fish directly from the fishing boat. Taking into account the prices of fish in the retail trade and comparing them with the prices offered to fishermen by processors, such solution may be chosen by many vessel owners. With regard to the fish processing, wrong approach in the framework of the Operational Programme FISH was pointed out. It consisted of financially supporting the aquaculture of alien species, with no significant market importance, such as tilapia, baramundi or reproduction of eel in aquaculture. It was underlined that Polish processing industry is based on imported raw material. In this context, the initiative of Polish fishermen who had started the certification process of the Eastern Baltic cod stock was highlighted. It was also underlined that constant involvement of science is needed in order to keep high standards in processing. Therefore, it is extremely important to secure the funding for such co-operation and scientific research in the framework of the new Operational Programme. 3. The amount of co-financing and the procedure to apply for funds from the Operational Programme: In terms of funding and procedures for applying for funds from the new Operational Programme some participants supported the idea to exclude a 100% funding of particular projects. According to these participants such approach will permit to eliminate projects aimed solely at using public funds. The only deviation from such approach should be a 100% financing of scientific institutions which do not have the resources to cover their own contributions. As to the amount of co-financing in the framework of the Operational Programme FISH it was stated that a 100% financing of projects has allowed many entities to carry out key investments such as construction of storage facilities or fish processing plants. According to some participants, without these funds the situation of the Polish fisheries sector would be significantly worse.

29 28 Report January 2013 June 2014 The participants also pointed to the need to establish a Steering Committee which could more precisely than the Monitoring Committee evaluate the value of major projects. In this context, the inconsistency of activities undertaken in the framework of the current Operational Programme was underlined. In this context an example of the restoration of river connectivity and at the same time construction of barrages and dams in the same rivers was put forward. During the discussion on the use of funds, participants drew the attention to the need to co-ordinate the work of the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. According to some participants, such co-ordination is crucial in order to achieve the objectives set in strategic documents, such as for example the Water Framework Directive. It was noted that no concrete steps have been taken so far for the implementation of measures aimed at achieving the objectives of this Directive and the studies such as for example the report on the river basin management and the use of inland resources, prepared by the Institute of Environmental Protection are not used to plan such measures. With regard to the allocation of resources, the lack of a general vision of the Polish fisheries sector at the end of the current Programme was noted. One participants stated that the discussion concentrates on particular elements of the new Fund and that is of course important but without a general vision of the structure of the Polish fisheries sector, including, above all, the strategy for the economisation of Polish fisheries, we should not decide about the allocation of funds. This new and probably the last Operational Programme addressed to the fisheries sector should focus on measures aimed at fleet restructuring and rebuilding of resources, to permit fishermen after 2020 to conduct profitable activities without the support of public funds. In this context, attention was turned to the need to resolve conflicts between different producers organisations in order to unite the entire sector in an effort to achieve this goal. The participants proposed, among others, to gather different stakeholders (fishermen, scientists, local communities, NGOs) in order to discuss and work out a common vision of the sector. In consequence decisions on future measures could be taken. 4. Compensations for losses in catches caused by protected species: With regard to the potential funding of compensations for losses in catches caused by protected species some participants indicated the need to estimate the proper population status (density) of these species in different areas. In the course of the discussion, new regulations regarding the discard ban and the landing obligation for all catches were addressed. Some participants stated that current proposals for new rules are going in the wrong direction and prove the reluctance to solve the problem of by-catches of undersized fish directly at sea. According to some participants, current proposals are an attempt to legalize the landings of so far undersized fish. This is inconsistent with the intentions of the European Commission which by proposing a discard ban has intended to create incentives for fishermen to avoid catching of undersized fish. Some participants disagreed with this statement. They noted that discards will be counted against the quota allocated to a given vessel. Such measure, together with the lack of important financial benefits from landed undersized and non-targeted fish is aimed to make fishermen operate in such a way as to avoid the by-catch of non-target fish to an absolute minimum. The proposal to lower the minimum conservation reference size for cod from 38 cm to 35 cm was also discussed. According to some participants, including some fishermen, the reduction of the minimum conservation size will further decrease the profitability of the catches, because processors have very little interest in small cod. Z. Karnicki noted that taking into account the current size distribution of different year classes, lack of reduction of the minimum conservation reference size could lead to the situation in which big amounts of undersized fish would be landed but could not be sold. He indicated that in the past the minimum landing size for cod was even smaller and the first minimum landing size amounted to 30 cm. Referring to the decrease of the minimum conservation reference size for cod it was stated that in this context there would be a need to modify the fishing gears. It was underlined that this fact is not taken into account in the discussion, although it will generate substantial costs for fishermen.

30 29 Report January 2013 June 2014 D. Bógdał / WWF In the context of the implementation of a discard ban a question was posed on its overarching goal. The participants agreed that measures aimed at minimising the by-catch of undersized fish are the major goal. Attention was turned to the fact that discarding is a political problem and its origins go back to the North Sea or the Mediterranean and not the Baltic. This topdown discard ban is an example of the lack of regional approach in fisheries management. Problems with the management of landed undersized fish were also mentioned. Some participants stated that the processing plants will not be interested in getting these fish. Financial issues have been left with no answer, who pays whom and for what in the case of discards? With reference to discards Ewa Milewska stated that the representative of the European Commission at the BS RAC meeting indicated that the new regulations in this regard should be simplified in order to make the fisheries management more effective. It was also stated that the decision to implement a discard ban have been taken in the framework of the new Common Fisheries Policy and will not be renegotiated. It is important to work out the best solutions and remember that nothing is carved in stone. Revisions are needed and should be foreseen. Following the discussion of the EMFF and the new Operational Programme, Piotr Predki presented the results of the survey carried our among the statutory members as well as participants of the Round Table meetings. The main purpose of this survey was to gather the opinions of participants as to the need to continue with the Round Table initiative as well as opinions on the form of future meetings. Two polls were conducted within the survey, one among statutory members (19 participants, 17 answers), second among meeting participants (answers submitted by 25% respondents). The 57% respondents were of the opinion that a suspension of the meetings of the Round Table would have a substantial negative effect on the level of discussions on fisheries management. Most of the statutory members and participants expressed the need to continue the meetings of the Round Table in the present form (without taking formal decisions). It was agreed that the Statute need to be modified in order to adjust it to the present form of the Round Table. At the end of the meeting participants proposed the topics for the next meeting which will probably take place in June 2014: 1. Certification of the Polish cod fishery; 2. Small-scale fishery in the context of the reformed CFP and the new EMFF; 3. Aquaculture (in relation to coastal fishery).

31 This publication was financed with the support of the Sustainable Fisheries Project For further information about the Project please contact Ewa Milewska: Piotr Prędki: The Steering Committee of the Polish Fisheries Round Table Ewa Milewska: Zbigniew Karnicki: Ryszard Malik: ISBN:

32 WWF is one of the largest and most respected conservation organisations in the world, with over 5 million supporters and a global network in over 100 countries. WWF s mission is to stop the degradation of the earth s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. For over 50 years WWF has been protecting nature in the worlds. In Poland, for the last 10 years WWF has been protecting rivers and forests. We promote sustainable fisheries and try to mitigate the impact of climate change. We also protect endangered species, such as the wolf, lynx and bear as well as Baltic mammals: the grey sea and the harbour porpoise. We are trying to reduce the trade of endangered species of plants and animals. More information at wwf.pl Panda symbol WWF World Wide Fund For Nature (Formerly World Wildlife Fund) WWF and living planet are Registered Trademarks